l CANBERRA

Captain Darren Sammy says the hard work West Indies have been putting into fielding has been paying off following an impressive performance against Australia in the second ODI, on Sunday.

West Indies lost the match by 54 runs despite three magnificent catches and some superb work in the outfield.

"We have been working hard on our fielding and as you could see it is paying off," declared Sammy who also held onto a one-handed catch at slip, the highlight of an improved display in the field at the WACA Ground.

"We keep working hard to improve in all three departments so it was pleasing to see the way we held onto our catches, which helped to give us a brilliant start."

There was also a stunning, diving take by Kieran Powell at square leg off a full-blooded flick from Usman Khawaja, while Darren Bravo threw himself to his right at cover point to pluck a sizzling cut by Aaron Finch out of the air.

"Powell's catch at square leg was superb and gave us a breakthrough. That is the kind of commitment we asked for when we discussed our plans before the start, and it was great to see the way we got cracking," said Sammy.

"In the case of Bravo, the ball was hit with great power and went to him quite quickly so he had to hang on to it. With mine, it was just instinct and reflexes. I started to move to my right, but when I saw the edge I shifted back and got my left hand up at the perfect time."

Powell made a career-best 83 and Dwayne Bravo hit 45 in a century stand which pulled the innings around from 33 for three and put the Windies in with a good shot at victory.

–CMC